~ USB Not Recognized (Unknown) ~

I have tried this on XP and Vista for the Flip Ultra to get my videos off.... however, each time I plug the USB inside, it says the device is not recognizable and it is "malfunctioning" potentially. The USB is simply not reading or something....

SEE PHOTO Here:

Here's the funny thing... it was working perfectly just a few days ago and then I went out to take some more videos, BOOM I get this error.

I even called support and they told me to go Device Manager - >delete unknown device option and reboot. Same problem even after support there.

I'd like to ask people here for any solutions....before I send the flip camcorder for a refund and never get this thing again. Seems error prone.

I used the instructions in the link of showing the hidden devices and removing all the "unknowns"... however it does not work. It cannot be the localization factor because this does not work on three computers.

Just to make sure I did the link instructions right, do you also rid of the "Generic USB hub" ones as well? Those are grayed out.

Mastersaint,

I used the instructions in the link of showing the hidden devices and removing all the "unknowns"... however it does not work. It cannot be the localization factor because this does not work on three computers.

Just to make sure I did the link instructions right, do you also rid of the "Generic USB hub" ones as well? Those are grayed out.

I wanted to see if any other experts have had this problem with the Flip (doesn't work due to USB unrecognition on 3 computers after initially working just FINE brand-new)...The video inside works just fine, it's just the computer loading part.

I then asked one expert who suggested somethings but nothing really solved. This is my attempt to fix this before never buying a flip again. This was just too weird .... If anyone knows what this is or if it's a super rare bad device, I'd really appreciate it.I wanted to see if any other experts have had this problem with the Flip (doesn't work due to USB unrecognition on 3 computers after initially working just FINE brand-new)...The video inside works just fine, it's just the computer loading part.
I then asked one expert who suggested somethings but nothing really solved. This is my attempt to fix this before never buying a flip again. This was just too weird .... If anyone knows what this is or if it's a super rare bad device, I'd really appreciate it.

I have the exact same problem with my Flip Video Camcorder on two computers. Both are running XP SP2 with slightly different vintage Pentium CPU's. The first time I connected to each computer everything worked fine, like auto pilot the software loaded and the videos were easy to transfer. Subsequent connections were a 1 out of 20 shot to get the Flip recognized by the computer. On the rare change the computer connected the transfer would almost never complete. After more reboots than I could count I returned the unit for warranty repair, they sent me a DVDROM with my videos and a "repaired" unit but the exact same response. I am capable of digging in to hidden files, safe mode and DOS if needed but this simple camera should not be so hard. I have also connected to every USB port on my PC (when possible without a cable) and the response is always the same. I'd love an answer that does not require me to use my Engineering Degree.I have the exact same problem with my Flip Video Camcorder on two computers. Both are running XP SP2 with slightly different vintage Pentium CPU's. The first time I connected to each computer everything worked fine, like auto pilot the software loaded and the videos were easy to transfer. Subsequent connections were a 1 out of 20 shot to get the Flip recognized by the computer. On the rare change the computer connected the transfer would almost never complete. After more reboots than I could count I returned the unit for warranty repair, they sent me a DVDROM with my videos and a "repaired" unit but the exact same response. I am capable of digging in to hidden files, safe mode and DOS if needed but this simple camera should not be so hard. I have also connected to every USB port on my PC (when possible without a cable) and the response is always the same. I'd love an answer that does not require me to use my Engineering Degree.

I have the exact same problem. My Mino worked perfectly for 6 months and then I tried pluggging it into my computer and it said "USB device not recognized" over and over again. I tried it on my other computer and got the same message. I says somthing about the device malfunctioning. I have tried all the solutions on this page and none have worked.

I emailed Pure Digital and told them about my problem. I even told them that there are many other people with the same problem looking for a solution. They have not responded.I have the exact same problem. My Mino worked perfectly for 6 months and then I tried pluggging it into my computer and it said "USB device not recognized" over and over again. I tried it on my other computer and got the same message. I says somthing about the device malfunctioning. I have tried all the solutions on this page and none have worked.
I emailed Pure Digital and told them about my problem. I even told them that there are many other people with the same problem looking for a solution. They have not responded.

I bought 2 Flip Video cameras for my kids and I have the same problem with one of them. The problem is with the device - not your computer.One plugs in (same computers, same usb cables, same usb ports) and downloads without a problem. The other one causes Microsoft XP and Vista to say "USB not recognized..."I wish I had a solution but at least I know which device to blame.

I bought 2 Flip Video cameras for my kids and I have the same problem with one of them. The problem is with the device - not your computer.One plugs in (same computers, same usb cables, same usb ports) and downloads without a problem. The other one causes Microsoft XP and Vista to say "USB not recognized..."I wish I had a solution but at least I know which device to blame.

I have the exact same problem as everyone. I have the Flip Mino. I took a video two days ago and when I plugged it in yesterday, it did not work. Same message, "USB Not Recognized". Do you know how I can at least get my video files out of it? Do you plan to return it? What did the manufacturer said when you contact them?I have the exact same problem as everyone. I have the Flip Mino. I took a video two days ago and when I plugged it in yesterday, it did not work. Same message, "USB Not Recognized". Do you know how I can at least get my video files out of it? Do you plan to return it? What did the manufacturer said when you contact them?

I forgot to mention, I tried this in 4 different computers: at my work with HP Tower, at home with my Acer Netbook, at my hubbie's laptop: Compaq, and my son's Gateway computer --- all with Windows XP. The conclusion... it's not the computer, it's the Flip!I forgot to mention, I tried this in 4 different computers: at my work with HP Tower, at home with my Acer Netbook, at my hubbie's laptop: Compaq, and my son's Gateway computer --- all with Windows XP. The conclusion... it's not the computer, it's the Flip!

I give up! I tried everything you posted here and it did not work. Do you know how I can I at least download the files before I throw this Flip out the window?I give up! I tried everything you posted here and it did not work. Do you know how I can I at least download the files before I throw this Flip out the window?

I have a MacBookPro and was having the same problem. I tried using a different usb port, different computer, powered hub, and plugging in without batteries and so far, nothing has worked.

Now looking into whether it's worth data retreival.I have a MacBookPro and was having the same problem. I tried using a different usb port, different computer, powered hub, and plugging in without batteries and so far, nothing has worked.
Now looking into whether it's worth data retreival.

I was able to get the computer to see the camera by Disableing the "Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller" in the Device Manager and the camera would be seen by the computer and files could be removed. Hope that this helps someone.

I believe that the consensus is the the Flip USB interface is malfunctioning. I was made to understand that the manufacturer has identified an issue. Pls see this page. Alternately, it may be a corroded USB pin(s) on the camera itself. Have you tried cleaning the contacts?

Hope this be of initial help/idea. Pls post back how things turned up or should you need additional information.

I had the same problem and I just got off the phone with Flip. They told me to take the battery out of my flip ultra hd and then plug it into the computer and sure enough, the software popped up and started downloading videos!!! Once it was all complete, then I unplugged usb from computer and put battery back in and deleted videos and all is good. Yay!!!!I had the same problem and I just got off the phone with Flip. They told me to take the battery out of my flip ultra hd and then plug it into the computer and sure enough, the software popped up and started downloading videos!!! Once it was all complete, then I unplugged usb from computer and put battery back in and deleted videos and all is good. Yay!!!!

I have the same problem with my flipvideo. Brand new, straight out of the box, this thing didn't work from the first minute. I plugged the unit into my computer (with the power off) and immediately got an error report stating "USB device not recognized" something along those lines also that it had malfunctioned. My computer is running XP home edition and has SIX usb ports, all of them giving me this error if used.
The same flip video loads just fine on a friend's Mac computer. No luck with my Windows XP PC though. I highly doubt it's an issue with dirty usb connections, poor wires, etc. Much too many people are having this same problem. I even returned my flipvideo for repair they sent me a replacement that does the EXACT same thing.
I am very keen with electronics but this product is HORRIBLE!

It seems that many people are still getting the 'USB Device notRecognized' problem from time to time. Unfortunately there is no easyfix.

Firstly, it's recommended that you make sure every one of yourmotherboard drivers are completely up-to-date, but you probably alreadyknew that.

In XP, after a USB port isn't used for a long while the USB driverbuilt into the OS sets the OHCI controller to suspend. When you plug adevice back in, it can sometimes fail to 'wake up' properly. Thisproblem was supposedly fixed in SP1 but there is a related registryhack that may still be able to help.

Run regedt32.exe and navigate to;

HKEY_LOCAL_MachineSYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsb

Create the Usb key if it doesn't already exist. Under this key, create a new DWORD value called DisableSelectiveSuspend and give it a value of 1. Then restart the PC.

A long shot perhaps, but I recall having similar problems with aUSB hub built into my Microsoft keyboard and adding this key seemed tosolve it. It wouldn't hurt in trying .

Alternatively, removing all entries relating to USB in DeviceManager and all associated USB drivers will force XP into refreshingthe USB driver stack.

Begin by unplugging all USB devices, then use Add/Remove Programsin Control Panel to uninstall any USB driver software. Next, boot upinto safe mode and go to Device Manager. Once in device manager makesure 'Show hidden devices' is checked under the View menu. Uninstallall device entries in this order;

1. USB peripheral devices (printers etc.)

2. HID and/or Composite USB (Human Interface Devices) You're using PS/2 input devices so you may not have this entry.

3. USB Root Hub(s)

4. USB Host Controller(s) (Universal or Enhanced Host Controllers)

Then boot back into Windows (not safe mode) and it should populatethe Root Hubs & Host controllers again. Proceed to plug your USBdevices back in, starting with your powered hub. Be aware that most USBprinters and scanners need to have their drivers installed first beforeyou plug them in.

Removing all the usb devices should be safe as only the ones that are present on your computer will be reinstalled.

Robert

I still have to mention the merely obvious because it is often overlooked. The camera is powered up ?Removing all the usb devices should be safe as only the ones that are present on your computer will be reinstalled.

Robert

I still have to mention the merely obvious because it is often overlooked. The camera is powered up ?

Actually this has happened to me as well but with different devices. Normally what you can do is shut the computer down then turn off the device. Turn back on teh computer then turn on the device. AFter that it should work. you can also try another USB port. If thatdoes not work another option would be to follow the link below.

If the problem occurs on three computers that means that the problem is with the device that you are using. The instructions that I gave on the link is a solution to a problem that would not happen to 3 computers at the same time. If the problem occurs on three computers that means that the problem is with the device that you are using. The instructions that I gave on the link is a solution to a problem that would not happen to 3 computers at the same time.

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Finally I solved it!!!!Situation: My Computer (MAC And PC) wasn't recognizing the FLIP ULTRA HD, because it has a corrupted file, but couldn't format because there was no communication between camera and computer

I have this exact same problem on my Flip all the time. The only solution I've found is that you have to unlock it, open up the battery pack on the front, take it out and put it back in. Then it turns on. I've had this problem with two different Flip HDs, so I think there's a bug in the camera -- it only happens after I've plugged it into the adapter on the computer and then taking it off.

the camera has to powered and on ...and be sure you plug in the right kinda usb ...it needs to be a 2.0 so ..install a 2.0 driver to be sure you have one ..and after that with the camera powered ..plu one by one in each usb port..until it is seen in one...also look at the camera cause some devices need to confirm from them the connection via usb ...it has to be seen ..if it's not ..change the cable it may be damaged..

The Flip Video Ultra Camcorder has a 'standard' full-size USB connector: please ensure that you are not trying to plug it to other type of input and use a USB extension cord if locations of your computer USB ports are mechanically incompatible.
Hope it helps. Let me know how you go.

If you plugin other usb device, does the computer recognizes it? With your xp computer, plugin your Flip and turn it on. Try to right click your windows start button and choose Explore. Then from the left panel, look for the drive letter associated with your Flip. If you're lucky, upon clicking on that drive, it will show its contents to the right.

If the above did not work, then we may need to format your Flip and try to recover the video using a recovery software later.

You may just have a simple problem with the device 'Drive Letter' allocation.

When you plug in the Flip into your USB your computer will assign the device a drive letter, if this letter is used already say for a network or mapped drive or other USB connection the Flip will not be recognized.

To check and see if that's the problem, plug in the Flip and go to your desktop
(right click) on My Computer / Manage / Disk Management

In that list see if the device is listed (you'll know by the name or storage size of the device) If it's there right click and 'change drive letter' to an unused drive letter.